M-learning technologies include handheld computers, MP3 players, notebooks, mobile phones and tablets. M-learning focuses on the mobility of the learner, interacting with portable technologies. Using mobile tools for creating learning aids and materials becomes an important part of informal learning.[3]

M-learning is convenient in that it is accessible from virtually anywhere. Sharing is almost instantaneous among everyone using the same content, which leads to the reception of instant feedback and tips. This highly active process has proven to increase exam scores from the fiftieth to the seventieth percentile, and cut the dropout rate in technical fields by 22 percent.[4] M-learning also brings strong portability by replacing books and notes with small devices, filled with tailored learning contents.

Contents

Mobile learning is the delivery of learning, education or learning support on mobile phones, PDAs or tablets. E-Learning has provided the ability for traditional learning to break out of the classroom setting and for students to learn at home. Mobile learning has enhanced upon e-learning by taking it a step further and allowing students to learn virtually anywhere a mobile signal is available.[5]

New mobile technology, such as hand-held based devices, is playing a large role in redefining how we receive information. The recent advances in mobile technology are changing the primary purpose of mobile devices from making or receiving calls to retrieving the latest information on any subject. "Numerous agencies including the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Intelligence community, and law enforcement are utilizing mobile technology for information management." [6]

Interactive and multi-mode technology allows students to engage and manipulate information.

Mobile Device features with WIFI capabilities allow for on-demand access to information.[8]

Access to classroom activities and information on mobile devices provides a continuum for learning inside and outside the classroom.[9]

In a literature review conducted by FutureLab, researchers found that increased communication, collaboration, and understanding of concepts was a result of mobile technology applications.[9]

Class management

Mobile devices can be used in brick-and-mortar or online settings to enhance learning experiences.[10]

The mobile phone (through text SMS notices) can be used especially for distance education or with students whose courses require them to be highly mobile and in particular to communicate information regarding availability of assignment results, venue changes and cancellations, etc. It can also be of value to business people, e.g. sales representatives who do not wish to waste time away from their busy schedules to attend formal training events.

Mobile devices facilitate online interaction between instructor and student, and student to student.

Blended learning takes the classroom out of a traditional brick-and-mortar setting. Students become part of virtual communities used for collaboration. Blended learning transitions away from a traditional teaching environment to a customized and interactive web platform for the user [9]

Podcasting

Podcasting consists of listening to audio recordings of lectures. It can be used to review live lectures (Clark & Westcott 2007) and to provide opportunities for students to rehearse oral presentations. Podcasts may also provide supplemental information to enhance traditional lectures (McGarr 2009) (Steven & Teasley 2009).

Psychological research suggests that university students who download podcast lectures achieve substantially higher exam results than those who attend the lecture in person (only in cases in which students take notes) (Callaway & Ewen 2009).

M-learning in a workplace can be very different from a school's context. Although employees do occasionally attend face to face training events, the majority of work-based learning happens on the job, often at the moment of need. Because of this, m-learning is being used in a wider range of modes:

On the job training for someone who accesses training on a mobile device.

Just in time training to solve a problem or gain an update.

Performance support. Immediate access to tools to streamline a work-task

Reference guides and ebooks

Checklists

Due to the very diverse training needs across a large organisation, self-serve learning is more common than is found at the school, or college level. Mobile is seen as an effective way to reach a large number of employees easier and more effectively.[11]

Improving levels of literacy, numeracy, and participation in education amongst young adults.

Using the communication features of a mobile phone as part of a larger learning activity, e.g.: sending media or texts into a central portfolio, or exporting audio files from a learning platform to your phone.

Developing workforce skills and readiness among youth and young adults.[12]

Over the past ten years mobile learning has grown from a minor research interest to a set of significant projects in schools, workplaces, museums, cities and rural areas around the world. The m-learning community is still fragmented, with different national perspectives, differences between academia and industry, and between the school, higher education and lifelong learning sectors.[26] Possible future applications for mobile learning include location based learning, augmented reality, wearable learning, learning implants, and ambient intelligence. Advancements in mobile learning will require a change from traditional classroom pedagogical approaches to a digital pedagogical approach that will suit mobile learners.[27]

Current areas of growth include:

Testing, surveys, job aids and just-in-time (J.I.T.) learning

Location-based and contextual learning

Social-networked mobile learning

Mobile educational gaming

Delivering m-Learning to cellular phones using two way SMS messaging and voice-based CellCasting (podcasting to phones with interactive assessments) [26]

^Kahle-Piasecki, Lisa; Miao, Chao; Ariss, Sonny (2012). "Managers and the Mobile Device: m-learning and m-business - Implications for the United States and China". Journal of Marketing Development and Competitiveness6 (1): 56–68.